Austin Truck Driver Negligence Lawyer
Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Truck drivers must have a commercial license and special training in order to operate these vehicles. Unfortunately, truck drivers can still make careless mistakes and unsafe choices. When driver behavior causes an accident, an Austin truck driver negligence attorney can help collision victims.
The Loewy Law Firm is a plaintiff’s injury firm that represents only injured victims. Our firm has earned a top Avvo rating and we have helped many clients to successfully pursue legal action against truck drivers and trucking companies. If you suspect that you may have been the victim of negligence, give our Austin truck accident lawyers a call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights.
Truck Driver Negligence and Austin Motor Vehicle Accidents
A truck driver may be considered negligent any time he violates state or federal laws and regulations, including rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A violation of safety rules or laws creates the presumption of negligence which makes it easier for crash victims to obtain compensation.
Truckers can also be considered negligent if their actions (or inactions) are unreasonably careless based on what a reasonable driver would have done under the same circumstances.
Some of the different types of trucker behavior that can be considered negligent include:
- Driving too fast for road conditions or exceeding the posted speed limit.
- Talking on a phone or engaging in distracting behavior while driving.
- Driving for more hours than permitted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Failing to follow basic requirements for truck inspection and maintenance.
- Carrying an overweight or unbalanced load.
- Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Driving while dozing off or feeling drowsy.
In any situation where a trucker is considered negligent, crash victims should be able to recover compensation for a resulting crash. You must show that the driver’s negligence was the direct cause of the accident.
An Austin Truck Driver Negligence Attorney Can Help Victims
Truck driver negligence can give rise to a legal case against the trucker. In many cases, you also have the right to pursue legal action against the trucking company that employed the driver. This is because drivers act as agents of their employers while in the line of duty. A trucker who is careless is the same as a company who is careless.
Trucking companies may have more insurance coverage than individual drivers. Most commercial trucks must carry $750,000 in liability insurance coverage minimum; however, trucks carrying hazardous materials must have as much as $5 million in minimum coverage. High minimum coverage limits mean that a trucking company may have deeper pockets to provide compensation in a truck accident case.
An Austin truck driver negligence attorney at the Loewy Law Firm can help you understand your rights and pursue a claim for compensation against all defendants who may be responsible for covering crash losses. To learn more, contact us today and schedule a free consultation.